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May 2020
Volume 41, Issue 9
President’s Message 1
Update from members 2
No functions in May
Birthdays/Anniversaries 5
Chair Reports 5-6
Looking back at TROA 8-11
Donation information 11
This newsletter is published
monthly September - May.
The Superstition Mountain
Chapter, Military Officers
Association of America Inc., is a
non-profit organization, IRS tax
ID# 23-7430856
http://www.smcmoaa.org/
Please remember to share the newsletter with your spouse!
President’s Comments
Hello All
I know this has been a trying time for us all. I hope everyone is well, maintaining their social distancing and staying home as much as possible.
I had a conference call with the board members, and we decided to cancel all meetings for the month of May. Due to the uncertainty of the situation regarding the opening of restaurants and their ability to host larger groups, we felt this was the best course of action. We will have another conference call later in May to assess the situation for June and make further decisions on gathering for our meetings. The fact is that most of us are in the high-risk group, so it is best we continue with the social distancing rules for now.
Stay safe, and if you need any help or know of someone who needs assistance reach out to us and we will do what we can to help.
Warmest Regards,
John Bushko
•
2020 OFFICERS
President, Lt Col John Bushko 480-759-1717 [email protected]
1st VP, CW4 Arlan Allen 602-283-5862 [email protected]
2nd VP, Col John Marsh 480-2191020 [email protected]
VP Auxiliary, Mrs. Judy Bushko 480-759-1717 [email protected]
Secretary, Mrs. Peggy Allen
Treasurer, Col Thomas Ralph
Past President, MG Dave Rataczak
2020 COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Programs CW4 Arlan Allen
Membership Col John Marsh
ROTC/JROTC Capt Ed Mangan
Personal Affairs Lt Gregory Moore
Legislative MG Dave Rataczak
Newsletter Mrs. Marlene Fox
Website Lt. Ann Ferguson
Transition Coordinator
Director Maj. Austin Foote
Director Mrs. Ann Schminke
Director Capt. George Meegan
Director Lt Col Sheryl Mauldin
Director Col Karl Pfitzer
Director Captain Al Anderer
CAS Membership Maj Norm Poole
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Update on what’s happening with some of our members
Here’s what some of our members are doing during this interesting change in our lives, as we all are trying to stay in our homes as much as possible. Hope it makes you smile!
Not much happening here except that we are all doing fine. No virus yet. Nelly is enjoying us being home
more. Tom & Melanie Ralph
Al & Paula Anderer We’re hanging in there and doing fine! Bowen says “Don’t let this happen to you."
Adoption Day Inspection is done! Time for a Walk
No, we have not finished the projects I mentioned in the last newsletter but are really trying to get stuff done. The utility room has been cleaned! One down, several to go. Hope everyone is staying safe!
I didn’t post pictures last month because we currently don’t have a pet (several feral cats, but no pets.) These photos are of Tini, Retired Military Working Dog. We drove to Lackland AFB in March 2014 to adopt her. From the beginning, Tini went just about everywhere with us, even to visit my sister in Albuquerque. Tini spent a lot of time at the airport with Arlan & Butch while they were rebuilding Arlan’s airplane. She was doing the final wing
inspection! Tini, also, joined several Board meetings and performed her “explosive detection” skills at one of our summer luncheons. Unfortunately, Tini got sick in October of 2018, and we had to let her go. Peggy & Arlan Allen
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Doing much of the same stuff. We are doing fine, just waiting for baseball to start! Jo & George Meegan
We don't have a pet at home unless you count the Javelina pack that passes
our backyard. I am told they are friendly but have not attempted to pet one!! Marilyn
and I have respected the lock down as it is personal for us older folks. We do get out
to keep the wine cellar stocked at Total Wine. Patronage there early keeps us able to
do good social distancing. Otherwise, books from Amazon, happy hour, cooking,
home projects, etc. are our life. John & Marilyn Marsh
Nothing new going on here. Still not sick, so I guess it’s working! Ann and I had been going out to lunch and dinner four or five times a week, but now nothing???? I am really looking forward to getting these stores and restaurants opened and baseball started! Ann Schminke & Ed Mangan
Judy and I are doing well. We only go out to the grocery store to get the needed items when necessary. We are still sorting through stuff in the house and rearranging closets, things we should have done ages ago. Judy keeps busy making masks for different groups she belongs to and for family members. I stay busy updating things around the house. Beyond that we watch a lot of TV, read, and work on puzzles. Judy & John Bushko
Our dog Buster is a 2-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog. Berner is an 11-year-old long haired Tuxedo Cat. We are Staying home except for grocery shopping and we take the dog for walks in our neighborhood. Lesley & Bill Baran
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Hubbie Roddie continues to make fabulous, non-stop strides with the yard, patio, garage, and Camaro. I am still going thru greeting cards and lots of files. One treasure I found was a bag of S&H Green Stamp books and stamps. Would anyone like them? Another treasure is an envelope full of pre-stamped postcards, with 1 cent & 4 cent postage. When things open-up, I'll see if there is a Postal Museum in town. These definitely belong in a museum! At the bottom of my to-do list remains reading the Owner's Manual for my new Subaru and doing my sewing/mending... Stay safe! Keep well! Rebecca & Roddy Charlton-Schmidt
This is Mutley. He is a Toto dog. Like in the Wizzard of Ozz.
We are doing well, hanging in there waiting for things to get back to normal. David & Lynne Loss
These are our dogs from past years. The Old English Sheep Dog, Dutchess is 3yrs and the Bearded Collie, Chewbacca is 6 months in the first photo. In the next one Dutchess was 4yrs, and then Chewbacca 6yrs and 2yrs. Both lived to15 yrs.
This one is to keep you smiling! I sent out an email to a few of our members asking for updates on what they have been doing since the lock down. I also asked for more pictures of pets. The following emails were exchanged by this member and me. Member -I misread your e-mail and told the wife you wanted pictures of us petting but she said not tonight she is too tired. What is the cutoff date? Me - By the 25th if possible Member - Thx. Will go to store and get some wine and maybe some chocolate and flowers to set the mood. Will do my best to get you some pics.
No pictures, I guess it didn’t work!
Ed and I are keeping busy. I have finished getting all the old MOAA pictures put on to a flash drive so the chapter now has its picture history.
We finished making a new outdoor dart cabinet and are painting all of my outdoor statues. Marlene & Ed Fox
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All MOAA Chapter functions cancelled for May
May Congratulations
MEMBER BIRTHDAY SPOUSE BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARIES
Al Anderer 22 Linda Burch 2 Al & Paula Anderer 28
Jaunita Gray 17 Claudia Horak 28
Fred & Ann Ferguson 30
Ward Fogelsanger 15 Connie Koch 29
Karl & Joan Kohlhoff 19
Charles McCorkle 24 Marcella Peters 24 George Meegan 20 Betty Schrader 12 Hal Peebles 27 Mary Dawn Sandlin 8
The only way to live is to accept each minute as an unrepeatable miracle,
which is exactly what it is: a miracle and unrepeatable.
Margaret Storm Jameson
CHAIRMAN REPORTS
1st Vice President Arlan Allen- Programs
In compliance with Federal, State and Local guidelines, to combat the spread of the Covid 19 Virus, Superstition Mountain
Chapter, MOAA, has cancelled all activities for May 2020. We will reevaluate at the end of May and are hoping to resume normal luncheon activities in June.
602-283-5862 - [email protected]
ROTC/JROTC
Ed Mangan
Due to the Corona Virus situation, all ROTC/JROTC Awards Programs have been cancelled All of the JROTC awards have been sent out to each of our 22 schools. So now the only thing we need to do is pay for the sponsorship funds for our schools. I would like to thank all of our school sponsors this year. Hopefully, we will be able to have our functions again soon
If you have any questions, please call or email me. [email protected] 602-501-0128
Peggy and Arlan Allen delivered snacks to the
Veterans Center for the Veterans Bingo games.
Usually some of our members go help with the
bingo but aren’t allowed in during the Corona Virus
shutdown. Carol (pictured on the right) said they
could use the treats because Bingo is one of the few
things they can still do. So the Allen’s stepped up
again!
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Legislative Dave Rataczak
Taken from May issue of the Sentinel by Lee Lange, Legislative Chair
Virtual Storming Up to Us Now
Last month, I reported that, for the first time ever, MOAA canceled the annual Storming the Hill signature event, previously set for March 21-26 in Washington, D.C. While the ongoing pandemic forced the cancellation of in-person events connected to Storming the Hill 2020, MOAA will continue its advocacy mission with a Virtual Storm.
To do that MOAA is asking council and chapter members to take the lead. The one issue MOAA is asking us to take to our legislators is highlighting the need to protect the military health care benefit by stopping DoD’s planned 18K billet reductions. Our chapter has responsibility for Rep Reuben Gallego and Rep David Schweikert. We also have a relationship with Sen Sinema’s office. We will be arranging conference calls to those offices.
See MOAA's link at https://www.moaa.org/ moaastorms and click on the Issue Paper for health care. While the chapter Virtual Storm team has specific responsibility for two U.S. representative, every chapter member can help our storming team by sending messages to your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators. If you do not know who your U.S. Representative is, Google U.S. House of Representatives and enter your zip code. Take Action: Ask your members of Congress to join the fight to halt the 18K billet reductions and end military treatment facility downsizing amid COVID-19 uncertainty. You can do this by calling their Arizona district or Washington offices or by sending them a message formatted by MOAA online.
Arizona State Legislative Update
State Legislative Ends Session – Veteran’s Issues Fail
The coronavirus pandemic focused the Legislature’s full attention on putting together a slimmed down state budget, then adjourning to do their part in stemming the spread of coronavirus. After including a $50M relief package for the economic impacts of coronavirus to the state, the budget was passed on March 23, and both the House and Senate announced their adjournment. The $11.8B budget passed by the legislature falls far short of Governor Ducey’s requested $12.3B and does not include the major veteran’s issues below. In later news from the State Capitol, the legislature will meet May 1 in order to formally adjourn for 2020. They will then wait for the Governor’s call to a Special Session to deal with the state’s economic issues
Veterans Benefits Counselors (VBC’s) SB1044, sponsored by Senator David Livingston, called for six new VBC’s. It was passed by the Senate on February 4 and sent to the House. A similar bill in the House, HB2139, sponsored by Representative Jay Lawrence, passed the full House on March 2, by a vote of 59-1. It was sent to the Senate for further action. But this initiative did not get into the budget passed on March 23, so the issue is very much in doubt.
Tax Exemption on Military Retired Pay
Governor Ducey’s call for full exemption of military retired pay from state taxes faced strong opposition in the Arizona legislature. A major factor was the $45M price tag which is proving to be a heavy lift for supporters. The Senate bill, SB1237, sponsored by Senator David Gowan, failed in a vote in the full Senate on February 25. Senator Gowan’s motion to reconsider the bill later was approved. It was not heard again. In the House, Representative Gail Griffin’s, HB 2667 narrowly passed the House Ways and Means Committee on February 19. There has been no further committee action, in part a reflection of member opposition to the bill. This initiative has an uphill fight in the face of the significant blows expected to the state economy from coronavirus.
Memorial Day May 25,2020
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Honoring Arizona's front line COVID-19 responders
Pictures taken in NE Phoenis by Steven Stringham
Luke Air Force Base, including the 56th Fighter Wing and the 944th Fighter Wing, along with the Arizona National Guard 161st Air Refueling Wing honored Arizona's front line COVID-19 responders with a community flyover May 1, 2020.
A formation of 15 aircraft, including seven F-35A Lightning IIs and seven F-16 Fighting Falcons flying out of Luke Air Force Base and one KC-135 from the 161st ARW were in the flyover.
The flight path brought them through Buckeye, Luke Air Force Base, Litchfield Park, Surprise, Waddell, Goodyear, Tolleson, Phoenix Metro, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Deer Valley, Glendale, Peoria, Sun City West, and El Mirage
Here is a video of the fly over in Gilbert, taken by Jeri Warren - https://youtu.be/vbeEzlX9ryc
Ann and Scott Gippert were charter members of our chapter. Scott held many board positions including president. Ann was our chapter secretary for many years. They were always very active in our chapter although Ann hasn’t been able to attend our functions as much over the past few years. We will miss Ann very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family
In Memoriam
Ann Gippert, Beloved Wife, Mother, Friend
May 4, 2020
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Looking Back at Our Chapters History
Our Chapter was formed as The Retired Officers Association (TROA). In January 2003 National TROA was changed to Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). In 1998 our chapter had a membership of 284 members. Most of our functions/meetings had 150 or more members in attendance. Here is a trip down memory lane form 1991 -2002. Unfortunately we only have this one picture from before 1991. .
1991 Loretta & Frank Schafer 1991 Alyse & Ken Newland 1992 Dale & Gerry Copsey !992 David & Betty Beil
1993 Ann & Scott Gippert 1994 Bob & Betty Grenig 1992 Betty Page Herb & Florence Gunderson
February 6, 1975
Leisure World Ballroom
Col Morill presents a gavel to
Charter President Bob Wright.
Two hundred fifty guests were
in attendance.
TROA
Superstition Mountain
Chapter is launched
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1992 Bill Bakke !992 Honey Gustafson 1993 Jim & Helena Chikar 1991 Lori Andrews Marilyn Glenny & Mary Pavikley
1992 Norman Barnes 1992 Roy Wickerham 1992 Mo Reiff 1994 David & Marge Tobey 1994 Bill Moore & John Thomas
1994 Ann & Lou Stelzner 1994 Carl & Betty Dunlap 1994 Jim, Ann & Bill Schminke !994 Sam & Sandy Apuna
1995 Anita & George Woodard 1995 Don & Maria Costello Royce & Barbara Brownfield Pat Hussey & Lori Andrews
Marilyn & Gayle Glenny 1996 Al & Betty Page 1996 Bev Dunlap & Dale Copsey 1996 Bill Moore Singing God Bless America
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Jean & Ralph Jackson 1996 Dinner Meeting 1998 Desert Storm Memorial & Council of Chapters plaque
1999
Carol & Dick Winkler Charolette & Robert Artuso Donna & Doug Conger Doris & Pat Hussey Joan & Doug Shannon
Judy & Dino Gofas Laverne & Bob Holloway Pat & Frank Robertson Mary & John Thomas Bruce & Angela Thorenson
Frank Robertson, Ralph Jackson, Doug Shannon Tinker Band played for our dancing pleasure
Betty & Al Page Gerry & Dale Copsey 2000 Rebecca Schmidt 2000 Marilyn Glenny 2000 Kawanis Park Picnic
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2001 Hawaiian Night 2002 Pat Hussey Tribute to US Navy 2002 Rebecca Schmidt & Roddy Charlton
2002 Scott Gippert & Mary McCormick Bee & Irv Jorgenson, Charolette & Robert Artuso 1999 Travis & Laura Wilson
2020 Chapter Dues Renewal Form
Annual Dues: $25 Regular Members $12.50 Auxiliary (SSAC) Members
Please make check payable to SMC of MOAA
- - - Write MOAA Chapter Dues on Memo line of the check
Mail to: Tom Ralph, Treasurer 20444 N 22nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85024
Check enclosed; renew my membership for 2020
Please print name_____________________________ My National MOAA Number______________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________________________________
Phone number_____________________ Email ___________________________________________________ ____
ROTC/JROTC Donations
Enclosed is a donation of $____________ or School Awards Sponsor $125.00_________
If sponsoring a school, please write the school name here_____________________________
Please make check payable to SMC of MOAA
Write JROTC in the memo line of the check
Mail to: Tom Ralph, Treasurer 20444 N 22nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85024
Chapter Auxiliary Donations
Enclosed is a donation of $__________________
This donation may be used for any Auxiliary projects ___________
specifically, Hygiene Kits for Vets_____
Please make check payable to SMC of MOAA
Write Auxiliary in the memo line of the check
Mail to: Tom Ralph, Treasurer 20444 N 22nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85024
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Superstition Mountain Chapter
Military Officers Association of America
1151 N Joshua Tree Lane
Gilbert, AZ 85234
2020 Chapter Activity schedule - (Dates and times are subject to change)
Chapter Board Chapter Auxiliary Chapter Dinner,
Meetings Luncheons Luncheon Meetings
June – no meeting June12th – 11:30am Sunday June14th – 12 pm social – 1:00pm Lunch
July – no meeting July 10th – 11:30am Sunday July19th – 12 pm social – 1:00pm Lunch
August – no meeting August 14th – 11:30am Sunday August 16th – 12 pm social – 1:00pm Lunch
September 14th – 9:00am September 11th - 11:30am Sunday September 20th – 4:00pm social – 5:00pm dinner
October 12th – 9:00am October 9th – 11:30am Sunday October 18th - 4:00pm social – 5:00pm dinner
November 9th – 9:00am November 13th – 11:30 Sunday November 15th – 4:00pm social – 5:00pm dinner
December 14th – 9:00 December 11th – 11:00am Sunday December 20th – 4:00pm social – 5:00pm dinner
